GoodSearch – What is it and How to remove it?

GoodSearch is potential malware that bundles with other software, changing users’ default search engine and redirecting browser searches surreptitiously. This guide assists in removing GoodSearch and other threats from your devices.

What is GoodSearch?

GoodSearch is software commonly found bundled with other programs, often alongside potentially unwanted software such as SumatraPDF and PDFTool. Unlike standalone applications, GoodSearch isn’t typically promoted or distributed independently. Instead, it’s integrated into software bundles and isn’t available for direct download from standard sources on the internet.

Despite its seemingly benign appearance, once installed, GoodSearch operates quietly in the background, consuming system resources. Its primary function revolves around monitoring and intercepting users’ online search activities. For instance, if a user employs a web browser like Google Chrome to conduct searches, GoodSearch can alter the default search engine settings, redirecting queries to platforms like search.yahoo.com while simultaneously tracking these searches and displaying advertisements. This behavior raises privacy concerns, as users may unwittingly have their online activities monitored and recorded without their consent.

• GoodSearch is commonly bundled with other programs, often including potentially unwanted software.
• It is not promoted or distributed independently but is integrated into software bundles.
• Once installed, GoodSearch operates quietly in the background, consuming system resources.
• Its primary function involves monitoring and intercepting users’ online search activities.
• GoodSearch alters default search engine settings, redirects queries, and displays advertisements, causing browser redirections and raising privacy concerns.

Is GoodSearch a virus?

GoodSearch is not inherently categorized as a computer virus or malware; instead, it’s identified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program) by various antivirus programs, as indicated by VirusTotal. Despite not being labeled as a virus, there are notable concerns associated with its operations and impact on users’ systems:

• GoodSearch often enters users’ systems stealthily, bundled with other software without clear notification or consent. This clandestine installation method is characteristic of many malware types, leading users to believe it’s malicious.
• After installation, GoodSearch modifies default search engine settings and redirects browser searches without explicit user permission. Such unauthorized alterations resemble the behavior of certain viruses, triggering suspicion.
• GoodSearch operates quietly in the background, consuming system resources even when not actively in use. This behavior, akin to malware, may raise concerns about potential harm to the system.
• GoodSearch tracks and intercepts users’ online search activities, potentially compromising privacy. Users may interpret this as a breach of their security, akin to how viruses compromise personal data.
• GoodSearch may display intrusive advertisements, further exacerbating the perception of it being malware. Ad-heavy software is often associated with malicious intent, leading users to question its legitimacy.

Overall, the combination of surreptitious installation, unauthorized alterations, resource consumption, privacy intrusion, and advertisements may lead users to mistake GoodSearch for a virus.

GoodSearch removal steps

1. For Windows 11 and Windows 10:
   • Open Settings.
   • Go to Apps > Apps and Features.
   • Locate the software you want to uninstall and click Uninstall.
2. For other versions of Windows:
   • Open Control Panel.
   • Navigate to Programs > Programs and Features.
   • Find the software you wish to uninstall and click Uninstall/Change.

Remove Malware and Viruses with Malwarebytes

1. Download Malwarebytes: [Here’s a Link!]
2. Install Malwarebytes
3. Open Malwarebytes
4. Click Get started
5. Click Scan to start a scan for unwanted programs, malware, and viruses
6. Click Quarantine once the scan is complete
7. You can view a report or click Done

By following these steps, you can effectively remove GoodSearch, viruses, and malware from your computer and device. Remember to exercise caution to ensure your privacy and online security are prioritized.